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Florida Department of Transportation Revokes Permits for Automated License Plate Readers on State Roads

The Florida Department of Transportation announced the removal of automated license plate readers from state highways and rights-of-way. Local law enforcement agencies have 30 days to remove the devices, or the department will remove them itself. The administration announced that the move follows concerns regarding the rapid expansion of surveillance technology, data privacy, and reports of misuse. Governor Ron DeSantis stated that while the technology is useful for investigating crimes, he does not want Florida to become a "surveillance state." The administration announced that the department will no longer issue new permits for these cameras on state roads. Several counties, including Volusia, Clay, Duval, and Alachua, have committed to removing the cameras. Local sheriffs expressed that while the technology has been a valuable tool for solving crimes and locating missing persons, the state-level decision reflects public concern. Some residents and advocacy groups, such as the ACLU, have criticized the cameras as a form of mass surveillance. Flock Safety, the manufacturer of one of the nation's largest networks, suggested that stronger safeguards and accountability measures are a better approach than an outright ban.

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